scholarly journals The Flexiscope: a Low Cost, Flexible, Convertible, and Modular Microscope with Automated Scanning and Micromanipulation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Courtney ◽  
Luke M. Alvey ◽  
George O.T. Merces ◽  
Mark Pickering
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Fluorescent Imaging ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Flexible Work ◽  
Optical Components ◽  
Computer Controlled ◽  
Automated Scanning

AbstractWith technologies rapidly evolving, many research institutions are now opting to invest in costly, high-quality, specialised microscopes which are shared by many researchers. As a consequence, the user may not have the ability to adapt a microscope to their specific needs and limitations in experimental design are introduced. A flexible work-horse microscopy system is a valuable tool in any laboratory to meet the diverse needs of a research team and promote innovation in experimental design. We have developed the Flexiscope; a multi-functional, adaptable, efficient and high-performance microscopy/electrophysiology system for everyday applications in a neurobiology laboratory. The core optical components are relatively constant in the three configurations described here; an upright configuration, an inverted configuration and an upright/electrophysiology configuration. We have provided a comprehensive description of the Flexiscope. We show that this method is capable of oblique infrared illumination imaging, multi-channel fluorescent imaging, and automated 3D scanning of larger specimens. Image quality is conserved across the three configurations of the microscope, and conversion between configurations is possible quickly and easily, while the motion control system can be repurposed to allow sub-micron computer-controlled micromanipulation. The Flexiscope provides similar performance and usability to commercially available systems. However, as it can be easily reconfigured for multiple roles, it can remove the need to purchase multiple microscopes, giving significant cost savings. The modular re-configurable nature allows the user to customise the system to their specific needs and adapt/upgrade the system as challenges arise, without requiring specialised technical skills.

scholarly journals The Flexiscope: a low cost, flexible, convertible and modular microscope with automated scanning and micromanipulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 191949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Courtney ◽  
Luke M. Alvey ◽  
George O. T. Merces ◽  
Niamh Burke ◽  
Mark Pickering
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Fluorescent Imaging ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Flexible Work ◽  
Optical Components ◽  
Automated Scanning

With technologies rapidly evolving, many research institutions are now opting to invest in costly, high-quality, specialized microscopes which are shared by many researchers. As a consequence, the user may not have the ability to adapt a microscope to their specific needs and limitations in experimental design are introduced. A flexible work-horse microscopy system is a valuable tool in any laboratory to meet the diverse needs of a research team and promote innovation in experimental design. We have developed the Flexiscope; a multi-functional, adaptable, efficient and high-performance microscopy/electrophysiology system for everyday applications in a neurobiology laboratory. The core optical components are relatively constant in the three configurations described here: an upright configuration, an inverted configuration and an upright/electrophysiology configuration. We have provided a comprehensive description of the Flexiscope. We show that this method is capable of oblique infrared illumination imaging, multi-channel fluorescent imaging and automated three-dimensional scanning of larger specimens. Image quality is conserved across the three configurations of the microscope, and conversion between configurations is possible quickly and easily, while the motion control system can be repurposed to allow sub-micrometre computer-controlled micromanipulation. The Flexiscope provides similar performance and usability to commercially available systems. However, as it can be easily reconfigured for multiple roles, it can remove the need to purchase multiple microscopes, giving significant cost savings. The modular reconfigurable nature allows the user to customize the system to their specific needs and adapt/upgrade the system as challenges arise, without requiring specialized technical skills.

Connecting the Dots - Creating Values in Wells Operation Through Collaboration and Innovation in Product Chemistry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanavathy Patmanesan ◽  
M. Solehuddin Razak ◽  
Lingges Devadass ◽  
M. Saufi M. Saleh ◽  
Nur Asyikin Khairi
Keyword(s):  
Field Trial ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Cleaning Efficiency ◽  
High Productivity ◽  
Operational Issues

Abstract Successful Wellbore Clean Up (WBCU) operation is one of the key aspects in delivering a high productivity well. Conventionally, in this phase, a series of surfactant and solvent pill is circulated downhole to "clean" the well. Poor job execution at this stage usually will result to tremendous amount of time to clean out the well or worst leaving the well with a "dirty" brine. Eventually this will lead to impairment in the well productivity. The Operator experienced strings of non-performance in their WBCU operation. This is reflected by extensive circulation time and poor quality of the brine downhole. Coupled with pressing low crude oil price, the Upstream business of the Operator collaborated with their Downstream counterpart to co-create their own in house, low cost and high performance WBCU chemicals. Not only that the new chemicals resolved the operational issues faced by the Operator, it also created significant values within the company itself. The paper will discuss the process and implementation of the novel WBCU materials within the Operator's operation. The performance of a WBCU surfactant is measured by its effectiveness in cleaning various types of downhole residues as fast as possible. The design of the new WBCU surfactant hinges on these criteria. In the lab, the performance of the material is measured using a "cleaning efficiency" test at different drilling fluids densities and WBCU formulations. Series of iterations were performed to determine the best chemistry for the WBCU surfactant. Finally, a field trial was conducted in one of the Operator's well, Well T-2 to gauge the product's performance in the real environment. The field trial in well T-2 was successful in achieving a cleaner brine at a rate faster than well T-1, a similar well of the same campaign. Well T-1 used a conventional surfactant and solvent product in the current market. The WBCU used in well T-2 managed to reduce the final NTU of the brine up to 45% as compared to final NTU observed in well T-1. A reduction in the operation hours up to 4 hours was also seen in well T-2. This has contributed to cost savings in rig time up to USD 75K. The successful performance delivery of the Operator's in-house products has showcased a fruitful collaboration between different workstreams within the Operator. Deep understanding in the chemistry of solvent and surfactant from the Downstream business helps to solve the pain points by the Upstream business. Insights on product performance and applications are transpired within the team to innovate a solution with better performance at lower cost. This has paves way for more opportunities in product development especially in specialty chemicals.

Electropolymerized MIP with MWCNTs on Stir Bar Using Multivariate Optimization for Tetradifon Detection in Date

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 404-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Ganjeizadeh Rohani ◽  
Mehdi Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Residue Analysis ◽  
Selective Extraction ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Stir Bar Extraction ◽  
Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Background: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) adjunct to molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) have advantages of the large surface area of nanoparticles and selectivity of MIPs for selective extraction of tetradifon as a widely used pesticide in date palm. Objectives: The main aims were the use of experimental design, electrochemical synthesis and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) to develop a simple, reliable and precise pesticide residue analysis method as an important aspect of food and drug quality control for the determination of tetradifon in date palms. Methods: An MIP in the presence of MWCNT was synthesized by cyclic voltammetric technique on a steel rod to produce a composite of MIP-MWCNTs for stir bar extraction of tetradifon residue in date samples. The experimental design was used to optimize MIPMWCNT composite synthesis through the screening of eight variables. The composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tetradifon was determined in extracted samples by UHPLC under optimum conditions. Results: A very thin film was made by MIP-MWCNT coated on a steel rod which was repeatable and had good adhesion and persistence. The detection limit (LOD) and the quantification limit (LOQ) of the method were measured as 16 and 49 ng/ml, respectively. Average recovery of tetradifon at the two spiked levels was observed to be as low as 86.5% to 90.7% (RSD from 0.79% to 1.04%). Conclusion: The low cost, high selectivity, good reproducibility, acceptable intra and inter day precision and accuracy developed method were successfully applied to determine tetradifon residue in date samples purchased from a local market.

Mineral/microfibrillated cellulose composite materials: High performance products, applications, and product forms

TAPPI Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (09) ◽  
pp. 507-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Skuse ◽  
Mark Windebank ◽  
Tafadzwa Motsi ◽  
Guillaume Tellier
Keyword(s):  
Composite Materials ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Aqueous Suspension ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
New Materials ◽  
Wet Strength ◽  
Product Forms ◽  
Cellulose Composite

When pulp and minerals are co-processed in aqueous suspension, the mineral acts as a grinding aid, facilitating the cost-effective production of fibrils. Furthermore, this processing allows the utilization of robust industrial milling equipment. There are 40000 dry metric tons of mineral/microfbrillated (MFC) cellulose composite production capacity in operation across three continents. These mineral/MFC products have been cleared by the FDA for use as a dry and wet strength agent in coated and uncoated food contact paper and paperboard applications. We have previously reported that use of these mineral/MFC composite materials in fiber-based applications allows generally improved wet and dry mechanical properties with concomitant opportunities for cost savings, property improvements, or grade developments and that the materials can be prepared using a range of fibers and minerals. Here, we: (1) report the development of new products that offer improved performance, (2) compare the performance of these new materials with that of a range of other nanocellulosic material types, (3) illustrate the performance of these new materials in reinforcement (paper and board) and viscosification applications, and (4) discuss product form requirements for different applications.

Comparison of UV- and Derivative-Spectrophotometric and HPTLC UVDensitometric Methods for the Determination of Amrinone and Milrinone in Bulk Drugs

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-253
Author(s):  
Marcin Gackowski ◽  
Marcin Koba ◽  
Stefan Kruszewski
Keyword(s):  
Thin Layer ◽  
Thin Layer Chromatography ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Uv Spectra ◽  
Derivative Spectrophotometry ◽  
Therapeutic Monitoring ◽  
Bulk Drug ◽  
Layer Chromatography ◽  
Standard Solutions

Background: Spectrophotometry and thin layer chromatography have been commonly applied in pharmaceutical analysis for many years due to low cost, simplicity and short time of execution. Moreover, the latest modifications including automation of those methods have made them very effective and easy to perform, therefore, the new UV- and derivative spectrophotometry as well as high performance thin layer chromatography UV-densitometric (HPTLC) methods for the routine estimation of amrinone and milrinone in pharmaceutical formulation have been developed and compared in this work since European Pharmacopoeia 9.0 has yet incorporated in an analytical monograph a method for quantification of those compounds. Methods: For the first method the best conditions for quantification were achieved by measuring the lengths between two extrema (peak-to-peak amplitudes) 252 and 277 nm in UV spectra of standard solutions of amrinone and a signal at 288 nm of the first derivative spectra of standard solutions of milrinone. The linearity between D252-277 signal and concentration of amironone and 1D288 signal of milrinone in the same range of 5.0-25.0 μg ml/ml in DMSO:methanol (1:3 v/v) solutions presents the square correlation coefficient (r2) of 0,9997 and 0.9991, respectively. The second method was founded on HPTLC on silica plates, 1,4-dioxane:hexane (100:1.5) as a mobile phase and densitometric scanning at 252 nm for amrinone and at 271 nm for milrinone. Results: The assays were linear over the concentration range of 0,25-5.0 μg per spot (r2=0,9959) and 0,25-10.0 μg per spot (r2=0,9970) for amrinone and milrinone, respectively. The mean recoveries percentage were 99.81 and 100,34 for amrinone as well as 99,58 and 99.46 for milrinone, obtained with spectrophotometry and HPTLC, respectively. Conclusion: The comparison between two elaborated methods leads to the conclusion that UV and derivative spectrophotometry is more precise and gives better recovery, and that is why it should be applied for routine estimation of amrinone and milrinone in bulk drug, pharmaceutical forms and for therapeutic monitoring of the drug.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document